The “business lunch” is no longer the only meal to share with clients or prospects. You can meet for breakfast, dinner, coffee, or—in fact—an actual lunch. But no matter what meal or time of day, and regardless of whether it’s Starbucks or the finest restaurant in town, you can achieve great results over a meal.

Just what makes for a great business lunch?  Here are five keys..

5 Rules for a Great Business Lunch 

1. Know your objectives going in. A meeting over a meal is no different from any other business meeting. Go in with a mental—if not written—agenda and a set of goals you want to achieve.
   
   
2. Listen more than you talk. Keep the dialogue moving with questions. Share your ideas but spend even more time discussing theirs.
   
   
3. Skip the martini. Two martini lunches have gone the way of Mad Men. Alcohol impairs your ability to play your top game, so just say no.
   
   
4. Remember the table manners your Mama taught you. Don’t let your manners inhibit your chance of business success. If you don’t know which fork to use, learn!
   
   
5. Grab that check! When you invite someone for a meal, pick up the check.